KUALA LUMPUR – National junior coach Aaron Lee Inbaraj is not losing sleep over the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) plan to trial the 15×3 scoring format this year—even if it means the end of the familiar 21-point system.
In fact, Aaron is confident that his junior players will adjust quickly should the BWF Council give the green light for full implementation next year.
Speaking to Scoop today, Aaron acknowledged that any major change in the sport would naturally face initial resistance—as it alters the way the game is played—but he believes adaptation is part of the game’s evolution.
“Change is inevitable, and when it becomes permanent, we must accept and adapt,” said the 42-year-old coach.
“As a former player, I’ve experienced every scoring system badminton has had. Was the transition smooth? Of course not. But when a format is made permanent, you adjust and move on.
“We’re so used to the current 21-point system that it would be difficult to return to the old 15-point format, where points could only be scored when holding serve. The game has evolved alongside its scoring system.
“Many think reducing six points is a minor adjustment, but in reality, it significantly changes how the game is played.
“If the 15×3 format is made permanent after the trial period, we coaches will have plenty to rethink, as we’ll need to revise our training methods and programmes,” he added.
Badminton’s ever-changing scoring system
Badminton’s scoring format has been rewritten multiple times, especially between 2002 and 2014.
Formats used in the past include the original 15-point system (where only the server could score), 7×5, 21×3, and 11×5.
Having coached internationally, Aaron recalled encountering the 15×3 format during his time in India from 2023 to 2024. He believes young players will adapt to the switch faster than many expect.
“In India, the number of entries in tournaments was huge—imagine five rounds of just qualifiers. Because of this, they used the 15×3 format in the qualifiers and then switched back to 21 points for the main draw.
“So, I do have some experience coaching under this format.
“I’ve also heard that it will be tested at some tournaments this year, so we’ll definitely be preparing for it.
“Yes, junior players will be most affected if this format becomes permanent, but at the same time, they will also be the quickest to adapt.
“We’ll have to wait and see. Even the current scoring system faced resistance when it was introduced, which is normal,” said Aaron, who has also coached in Peru.
Testing phase set for 2025
Earlier, BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh told Scoop that the new 15×3 format could be trialled at one international and one national tournament this year, pending approval from the tournament committee.
According to BWF, the format is expected to speed up matches, improve scheduling efficiency, and promote player longevity.
The trial period is set to run from April to October this year. — February 7, 2025